Moving out of a rental inevitably brings up a long mental checklist that usually looks something like packing boxes, scrubbing the bathtub, and maybe—if you’re feeling responsible—spackling over a few nail holes.
What it doesn’t usually involve? Painting over a strawberry mural, peeling googly eyes off the door frame, and removing a fairy woodland outlet cover.
But for NYC-based designer and creator Chelsea Zeferina, that was exactly her to-do list—and she documented the whole thing for her millions of followers.
If you’ve ever wanted to live inside a mood board, her past apartment was just that. Think cherry wall hooks, disco garland, and banana draw pulls.
Some finds were sourced from Etsy (like a vintage cat light switch cover), others from Facebook Marketplace, and many dreamed up in her own imagination. She painted stripes on the wall and turned a plain side table into a citrus-inspired masterpiece.
Even as a renter, she never shied away from bold decor choices—until a non-renewal notice forced her to move out.
The internet mourned alongside her, racking up millions of views on her moving-out videos. But her new apartment? Just as colorful, if not more so.
Her style falls into what’s been dubbed “dopamine decor”—a maximalist, color-happy approach to interiors where the only rule is choosing what makes you smile. It’s nostalgic, playful, and rooted in self-expression, and with millions of TikTok views on the topic, it’s clear that people are craving more of it.
So how does she do it? And how can you bring the look home? Chelsea shares her best tips below.
What is dopamine decor?
At its core, dopamine decor is all about joy. “It’s an easy way to add a spark of happiness into your life from the moment you open your eyes in the morning,” Chelsea explains.
It leans into bold colors, funky patterns, nostalgic objects, and whimsical details—think squiggle mirrors, retro florals, and statement lighting. The best part? There are no rules. If it makes you happy, it belongs.
It’s an easy way to add a spark of happiness into your life from the moment you open your eyes in the morning
Why is it trending?
With thousands of videos and millions of views, dopamine decor is having a moment. And for good reason. “In a world full of chaos, I think people are looking for any way to add more happiness to their everyday life,” Chelsea says. Gone are the days of all-neutral, ultra-minimalist homes—maximalism is back, and this time, it’s all about self-expression.
In a world full of chaos, I think people are looking for any way to add more happiness to their everyday life
How can someone achieve this look?
If you’re starting from scratch, Chelsea recommends easing in with small, low-commitment pieces. “Colorful throw pillows, quirky candles, and fun vases are easy ways to test out the aesthetic,” she says. From there, you can build up to bigger statement pieces, like a bold rug or patterned wallpaper.
How do you mix so many colors and patterns without it feeling chaotic?
“I don’t worry too much about the overall picture,” Chelsea says. “I think sometimes people put too much pressure on themselves to figure out the aesthetic of a space before they start decorating.” Instead, she starts with one statement piece—like a rug, a curtain, or even a framed print—and lets that guide the rest of the room.
Where do you find your most unique pieces?
Chelsea’s best sources? Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, and local craft fairs. “I love finding basic, affordable pieces and DIYing them to make them my own,” she says. Case in point: the IKEA stools she hand-painted with flowers and lemons. “Some of my favorite pieces are the ones that I’ve personalized,” she added.
I love finding basic, affordable pieces and DIYing them to make them my own,
What’s your advice for renters who want to personalize their space but worry about undoing it later?
“In my experience, most projects are a lot easier to reverse than people think they are,” Chelsea reassures. “Painting a door frame back to white can be done in a couple of hours!” Other easy, renter-friendly upgrades include swapping cabinet pulls, using peel-and-stick wallpaper, and hanging colorful frames.
Got a space that tells a story? We’re always on the lookout for cozy corners, bold paint jobs, vintage gems, and homes that feel lived-in and loved. If you think your apartment or home deserves a moment in the spotlight, send me a note!
